Remembering the outbreak of WW1

It's been a very poignant few days leading up to today's commemorations of the outbreak of the First World War.  We first started working on some of the material for the village of Hoby in Leicestershire some twelve months ago when the local history society approached us to talk about producing a book, website and commemorative events.  Work proper for us began at the start of 2014, when the material started coming together for the 64 page book called 'For King and Country' which commemorates those who lived in Hoby and fought for our freedom.
 
We have also worked on a website for the history society www.hobyanddistricthistory.co.uk where much of the research is outlined.  The project prompted me to look in more depth at the lives of my two great uncles, twins who lost their lives in the Great War.  My great grandfather volunteered even though he was 56 at the time - he wanted to fight alongside his sons.  I'm lucky that we have quite a treasure trove of family memorabilia, some of which appear in the published book and much of which will be included in an 'Ancestor Exhibition', our next commemorative project.  Perhaps the most touching thing will be the muffled peal of bells which will sound at the anniversary of the death of each of the 13 people from Hoby who lost their lives.